Code of Conduct

TEAMIPSWICH SWIMMING CODE OF CONDUCT

PURPOSE
The Swimming club exists for the benefit of the swimmers, to develop their skill in competitive swimming and to instill a code of behaviour that will carry them forward with credit. To this end Ipswich Swimming Club has a Code of Conduct which we expect all staff, officials, members and swimmers to adhere to at all times. We expect that this will ensure that Ipswich Swimming Club is a safe and equitable place which will enable the prime objectives of the Club to be achieved.

Swimmers
At training sessions it is expected that they will:
• Endeavour to attend at least 50% of their sessions
• Arrive in good time for the beginning of the session
• Bring all necessary equipment with them
• Put every effort into the training sessions and avoid short cutting or missing sections by toilet excuses etc.
• Always consult their coach if they arrive late, wish to leave early, feel unwell etc
• Pay attention to the coach when he/she is talking to them
• To be under the control and direction of their relevant Coach/Teacher
• To observe lane discipline – keep their distance from the swimmer in front, overtake safely and swim in the same direction as others in their lane.
• Keep up with the activities of the Club by reading the notice board and consulting coaches/officials
• Generally act in a responsible manner at all times
• To be well-behaved whilst in the changing rooms.
• Report incidents of bad behaviour immediately to the relevant Teacher or Coach.
• Inform the coach of any medication currently being taken

Galas: it is expected that swimmers will:
• Be available for any gala for which they are selected. Any difficulties to be discussed with the coach
• Arrive at the venue in plenty of time for the warm up and immediately join their team group and report to the Team Manager on arrival at the venue if club transport is not being used
• Set an example to younger swimmers and other clubs.
• Remain throughout the gala with their team group unless they have agreed with the team manager a reason to leave the poolside
• Not leave the poolside after their last swim until their team manager has agreed for them to go
• Provide encouragement and support to fellow team members
• In a trophy gala they must remain to acknowledge the winning team
• Treat other competitors and teams with respect, in victory and defeat.
• Keep in constant touch with the programme and prepare themselves in plenty of time for their race
• Wear current Club kit (hat, shirt, tracksuit) as stipulated by the Head Coach
• Generally act in a responsible manner at all times
• To use the changing rooms to get ready for their sessions, and not get changed on poolside

Parents / Guardians
At training sessions and at the pool it is expected parents and carers will:
• Ensure that the swimmers get to training sessions in good time
• Keep in touch with the Club activities, through the Club notice board, newsletters and website
• Encourage all swimmers to obey the spirit of the rules and laws both in and out of the pool.
• Direct any queries to Club Officials or Coaches, when not involved in training sessions
• Where queries are unresolved, request the issue be raised with the Committee
• Wherever possible, offer assistance in Club activities
• Promote a responsible and disciplined attitude in their children
• Ensure that when young children are assisted to get changed, they use their own sex changing rooms, and do not to become involved with helping anyone else’s child. If another child seeks assistance, parents should notify one of the club staff who will try to locate the parent of that child.

At all galas it is expected they will:
• Ensure that swimmers get to the venue in good time for the warm up
• Inform the coach/team manager in plenty of time if the swimmer is unable to participate in the gala. This also means ensuring that coaches always have up to date contact details in case of emergency
• Remain in the spectator area during the gala unless requested to assist
• Encourage swimmers to remain with the team group

Coaches / Officials / Staff who are representing the Club will at all times:
• Comply with the codes, rules and laws within the guidelines set out by the ASA and including the ASA Code of Ethics and adopt the Swim21 Code of ethics and conduct
• Put the well-being, health and safety of members above all considerations including developing performance.
• Arrive in good time to organise and control their activities
• Meet the commitments they make to the Club
• Be supportive of the agreed Club policies
• Be prepared to assist swimmers and their Parents/Guardians in any queries they may have and carry forward to the Committee any issues they are unable to resolve
• Display a disciplined and sporting attitude and help to promote the same from the swimmers.
• Never discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, language, religion, birth or social status as set out in the equal opportunities policy.
• Respect the basic human rights, worth and dignity of each member.
• Treat all personal information about individual members as confidential except in exceptional circumstances regarding health and safety, medical requirements, disciplinary action or in accordance with ASA Child Protection procedures and guidelines.
• Observe the authority and the decisions of all officials.
• Not drink alcohol or smoke either before or during teaching or coaching sessions or competitions.
• Seek ways of and be willing to increase the development of their current qualifications

The club reserves the right to suspend/expel any swimmer or member who, in their opinion, commits any act likely to endanger or hurt others, disrupts a session (including persistent lateness or leaving the pool without permission) or brings the Club’s reputation into question.

Should you ever have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to discuss them with the Club Coach, Teachers or committee members. Thank you for your cooperation.